Guoman Hotels, the deluxe collection of inspirational landmark properties in central London, has activated its strong international growth plan with the opening of Guoman Shanghai; a striking five-star property.

Opening May 29th, Guoman Shanghai will be the first of two new properties to launch under the brand in Asia, the second venture being an equally spectacularly-designed hotel in Beijing.

Following a substantial investment, the launch of the architecturally-stunning 442-room property sees the fledging Guoman group confidently spreading its wings overseas, transferring the group’s ethos of inspirational design and stimulating guest experiences to the flourishing Asian market.

Excellently positioned within the bustling business-hub of the Putuo district, Guoman Shanghai will form the centrepoint of a major business retail and residential development, the Guosan Centre Changfeng - perfectly located for both the business and leisure traveller with its close links to the city’s major commercial districts.

Headed up by Michael Parker, formerly the general manager of one of the group’s London properties, Guoman Shanghai will honour its roots by creating a true flavour of London’s style and elegance blended with a contemporary Asian twist.

Two floors of the hotel will be dedicated to premium Eastern-inspired restaurants and bars, with the touches of British indulgence seen in the fleet of luxurious Guoman-operated Black cabs on hand to transport guests round the city; complete with DVD players, minibar fridges and upgraded soft, hand-stitched leather seats, as well as traditional English food and beverage menu options.

From its inception in 2004, the Guoman brand has grown to a portfolio of four unique properties, in idyllic locations, presented in beautiful designs.  Guoman Shanghai joins the impressive collection including:  The Royal Horseguards, The Cumberland, The Tower and Charing Cross. 

Speaking of the group’s first international development, Sanjay Nijhawan, chief operating officer international, Guoman Hotels commented: “The opening of Guoman Shanghai is the crucial first phase in our ongoing strategic growth across Asia in the coming years.  We’re very confident in the strength of the group and its focus on a stylish, unique guest experience – we’re positive that the Asian market will respond extremely well to the Guoman offering.

The Guoman collection has become renowned for its individual, design-focussed properties and our introduction into Shanghai purposely reflects this reputation for providing distinctive hotels in first–class locations.  Guoman Shanghai, like all our hotels, is full of charm and architecturally interesting.  It’s certainly an exciting period for the Guoman group and we very much look forward to welcoming our first guests.”

Guoman Shanghai will also feature an exclusively designed glass walkway, a grand ballroom with seating capacity for 500 delegates, 11 state-of-the-art conference rooms, a spa and fitness centre with sun terrace.  The accommodation offering includes 125 suites each with a minimum size of 60m2 and one Presidential Suite.